In momentary social media chatter, Hunter’s wife, Leanna Lenee, joined the discussion around Jacksonville’s roster construction. She posted a note on her Instagram story questioning the purpose of having a two-way player if his opportunities aren’t maximized: “What’s the point of having a two-way player and you’re not using him?”
Jacksonville fell 20-13 to Denver in Week 2, snapping their unbeaten start to the season after a convincing Week 1 win over Cleveland.
Heading into Denver, the Jaguars’ plan for Hunter was the dominant storyline. After missing most of the previous season with an injury, the two-way standout returned in Week 1, logging 29 snaps at cornerback and just four at receiver in a 34-10 victory over the Browns. That performance set the tone for what the team hoped to achieve with Hunter’s versatility.
Against the Broncos, Hunter again spent the vast majority of his time on defense. He played seven offensive snaps in addition to his defensive workload, but was not targeted in the passing game. His time on defense grew to 37 snaps at cornerback, and while his offensive appearances were limited, he did record a pass breakup on his lone target and contributed two tackles on the day.
The pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when Hunter was flagged for a 22-yard pass interference penalty while covering Courtland Sutton. The penalty gave Denver a first-and-goal opportunity at the three-yard line, and the Broncos scored on the very next play to seize a lead they would protect the rest of the game.
The late game swing is a tough moment for Hunter, especially considering the expectations surrounding Jacksonville’s use of him. The Jaguars invested a high selection to bring him into the fold with the belief that he could influence games on both sides of the ball, a rarity in modern NFL football outside of a few historic players.
The team’s leadership has been consistent about Hunter’s role. The general manager and head coach reiterated that Hunter would be integrated into the offense as a complementary component while continuing to develop his primary impact on defense. As of now, the emphasis appears to be on cornerback, with offensive opportunities described as a potential future enhancement rather than an immediate mainstay.
Head coach statements indicated a plan to create offensive packages designed to maximize Hunter’s two-way potential, while also acknowledging the practical realities of building consistency and depth on offense. In the early stages of the season, the defense has been identified as the primary area where Hunter is expected to contribute most consistently, with the offense gradually expanding his responsibilities as the scheme evolves.
Two games into the season, it’s clear that Jacksonville views Hunter primarily as a cornerback, with any offensive involvement treated as a bonus. The long-term goal remains to leverage his unique versatility, but the path to consistent two-way impact will depend on continued development, game planning, and in-game execution.
The discussion surrounding Hunter’s role underscores the broader challenge for the Jaguars: balancing a high-ceiling talent with a coherent, sustainable game plan that maximizes his strengths without compromising the team’s overall effectiveness. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Jacksonville’s two-way experiment evolves and whether the coaching staff can unlock a fuller, more consistent contribution from Hunter on both sides of the ball.
